Using the phrase “native son” to describe Mike Ghilotti, president of Ghilotti Bros., Inc. (GBI), is not only appropriate, it’s well-earned. In 1910, Ghilotti’s grandfather, James, emigrated from the Lake Como region of Italy and settled in San Rafael. In 1914, James and his descendants founded the company that has evolved into GBI.
Today, the tradition continues. “We’re all family here!” enthuses Ghilotti. “My brother, Dante, runs the equipment division and property management. Our mother, Eva, is still the matriarch over everything—and still has a memory sharp as a tack! And I’m very proud that all four of my children—ages 19, 17, 15 and 12—are working at GBI during the summer.”
Ask this native son where he lives, and he proudly proclaims, “Greatest city in the world: San Rafael!”
Speaking of proud, Mike shares, “In 2012, GBI was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work, Best Contractor in the North Bay, Healthiest Place to Work, and received four state and two international Partnering Awards, including Best of Class.”
What are the perks and challenges of a family business?
The perks include the pride of the Ghilotti family heritage and our business longevity with a reputation for giving back to the community. As far as challenges, they’re the same as the perks, while performing in a business model based on lowest bid.
Are you married?
I’m blessed to be thoroughly enjoying 22 great years of marriage to the same wife, probably because she’s Italian.
Where did you go to college? What was your major?
I graduated from St. Mary’s in Moraga, where I majored in Wine & Song…and also managed to get a degree in business along the way. Also while working, I went back at night and picked up an MBA in construction and project management at Golden Gate University.
What’s something you intended to do today but didn’t?
I’d like to become fluent in Italian, but I haven’t found enough time to do my Rosetta Stone.
How much poetry have you written in your life?
I had a poetry assignment in sixth grade and, based on the grade I received, that quickly ended my poetry career.
In what situations are you most uncomfortable?
When my kids are out at night and have fallen “off the grid.” It’s a crazy world out there, and nothing good can happen after midnight.
What advice can you give that can help people conquer fear?
To me, fear is a lack of confidence. Confidence is a function of preparation and planning.
What do you think heaven is like?
I think heaven is full of people whose spirits want to reach out and help people in need who are suffering here on Earth.
What’s your favorite bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan?
“Participating in a gun buy-back program because you believe the criminals have too many guns is like having yourself castrated because you believe that the neighbors have too many kids.” Or, “Just because we don’t support your liberal, anti-God, amoral agenda, doesn’t make us ignorant, racists, bigots, hillbillies, uneducated, haters, inbreeds, morons, it simply means we think for ourselves, honor God and love our country.”
What song would be absolute torture to have to sit through over and over again?
“My Sharona” by The Knack
What’s your favorite season and why?
I love the hot summer nights and sunsets on Lake Tahoe.
What do you love to do outside of work?
Spend time with family, play basketball and rugby, and ride horses. I grew up in West Marin, on my parents’ Arabian horse ranch in Nicasio, and I still enjoy the cowboy lifestyle.
What activity takes up most of your time outside of work? What do you love about it?
My favorite hobby is basketball. It’s a very efficient workout and as competitive as rugby without the injuries.
If you couldn’t fail, what would you do?
Play hoops in the NBA and challenge Michael Jordan to a game of one-on-one.
What would you like to be known for?
I want to be remembered as a God-fearing man who, with the partnership of his lovely wife, was able to raise four conservative children who love their country, are great people to be around and have a passion for life. Also, that I did a decent job of sustaining a wonderful, heritage family business that built a lot of quality projects, treated employees with respect and gave back to its community.
